Yann M’Vila arrest leaves Arsenal and Inter Milan scouts frustrated

Rennes star Yann M’Vila was forced to miss his side’s clash with Ajaccio this weekend after his arrest for allegedly attacking a teenager, leaving scouts from Arsenal and Inter Milan fuming.

In trouble: Rennes midfielder Yann M’Vila (Picture: AFP/GettyImages)

M’Vila asked to sit out Sunday’s 3-1 win over Ajaccio, following an altercation outside his home in Vern-sur-Seiche on Friday, in which he is said to have punched a 17-year-old boy during a heated argument.

M’Vila’s lawyer, Thierry Fillion, told French daily L’Equipe: ‘Yann has acknowledged that it was an inappropriate response but was provoked by the betrayal of the trust he gave to this young man.’As it stands, no decision has been taken yet by the Rennes prosecutor on this case but the file will be forwarded to him within eight to 10 days.’

The 21-year-old midfielder was due to be watched by long-term admirers Arsenal and Inter, who are contemplating spending up to £15 million on the midfielder this summer, but were instead left disappointed after the player opted not to play, citing ‘personal reasons’.

French police picked up M’Vila on Monday, and he was released yesterday after spending the night in the cells, with an investigation and a possible court appearance to follow.

The incident is already being talked up as being harmful to his chances of sealing a big money transfer this summer, but is the latest in the long line of incidents involving the France international.

In January 2010, M’Vila is said to have attacked a restaurant owner following a bout of road rage, while he was in court just two months ago, to see a pair of prostitutes jailed for robbing him and a friend, after they were invited back to a hotel room before a match.

M’Vila was also involved in a furious training ground spat with fans earlier this season, when Rennes’ poor performances on the pitch saw some supporters storm the players car park, leading to the France ace confronting several members of the mob after one kicked a wheel on his car.

The news will leave many questioning whether M’Vila has the temperament for life at one of Europe’s elite clubs, with reports in Paris this week suggesting Italian giants Inter are stalling on their plans to lodge a huge bid before the end of the season.